CA1301792C - Floating rotatable device - Google Patents
Floating rotatable deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1301792C CA1301792C CA000576849A CA576849A CA1301792C CA 1301792 C CA1301792 C CA 1301792C CA 000576849 A CA000576849 A CA 000576849A CA 576849 A CA576849 A CA 576849A CA 1301792 C CA1301792 C CA 1301792C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- barrel
- shaft
- water
- support frame
- movement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B26/00—Exercising apparatus not covered by groups A63B1/00 - A63B25/00
- A63B26/003—Exercising apparatus not covered by groups A63B1/00 - A63B25/00 for improving balance or equilibrium
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The invention comprises a floating rotatable barrel amusement and/or sport device for use in a body of water. The device comprises a support framework with a base portion adapted to rest on the sea or lake bed and a rotatable barrel coupled to the frame for relative vertical rotary movement. The framework is in two parts which telescope to adjust its height and allow the base portion to rest on the bed while adjusting for different water heights; the lower part pivots relative to the base about a horizontal axis to accommodate for an inclined bed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a shaft protrudes from one end of the barrel and is secured to the framework for the vertical movement while prevented from horizontal movement, and the framework includes a ladder to permit swimmers to climb onto the top of the barrel and rotate it.
The invention comprises a floating rotatable barrel amusement and/or sport device for use in a body of water. The device comprises a support framework with a base portion adapted to rest on the sea or lake bed and a rotatable barrel coupled to the frame for relative vertical rotary movement. The framework is in two parts which telescope to adjust its height and allow the base portion to rest on the bed while adjusting for different water heights; the lower part pivots relative to the base about a horizontal axis to accommodate for an inclined bed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a shaft protrudes from one end of the barrel and is secured to the framework for the vertical movement while prevented from horizontal movement, and the framework includes a ladder to permit swimmers to climb onto the top of the barrel and rotate it.
Description
~3~:~L7~
FLOATING ROTATABLE DEVICE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to floating rotatable devices comprising amusement and/or sport devices for use in water, and in particular the invention relates to a device comprising a floating barrel mounted on a support structure for free rotation about its own axis, and which is mounted by the participant in the amusement or sport.
Review of the Prior Art -A well known leisure or amusement water sport is "log rolling", which involves a person or persons standing on a floating log and trying to rotate it in the water, whilst at the same time retaining his/her or their balance. An amusement and/or sport device to be used to simulate this sport comprising a floating rotatable barrel should satisfy a number of design criteria, in addition to being relatively inexpensive, robust and corrosion resistant. For example, the device should be able to be anchored in position in the available body of water but should be free to move, within certain limits, to accommodate changing water conditions and to avoid undue stress in the structure. Also, The structure should provide some means for supporting the barrel so that it can move vertically to adapt to varying water levels, e.g. tides or lake levels, and the support should also include a ladder to permit participants to climb on to the barrel from the adjacent land, the water, or from a boat. In addition, the device should be capable of rapid assembly and disassembly to facilitate storage when not in use, ~3~7~
repair and/or replacement of damaged parts. Unless the barrel can be made completely watertight it should also have means for emptying water from its interior as it is being rotated.
A bathing beach float device has been proposed, for example, in U.S. Patent No., 1~761,058 issued June 3, 1930 to Trenholm having two coa~ial barrels, each rotatably mounted at one end to a central support which comprises two ladders leading to a platform for access to the top of the barrels, the structure being anchored to the sea or lake bed by an anchor chain. This device has a number of problems. For example, both the barrels and the frame are free floating and the anchor chain may, as the water level lowers, permit too much movement of the device making it difficult to climb onto. The device must be anchored well out in the body of water making it somewhat difficult and awkward of access. Also, movement of the platform will cause reaction movement of the barrels, and vice versa, which will affect a person trying to rotate the barrels and so limit the effectiveness of the device for amusement and leisure purposes. There is no provision for removing water which may leak into the barrels and affect their buoyancy. In addition, because the barrels are almost half-submerged in the water, there is substantial friction in attempting to rotate them, which makes the device difficult and inconvenient to use by children.
~.S. Patent No. 2,268,827 issued January 6, 1942 to Jackson discloses a log rolling game device which simulates log rolling in water, but is not intended to be used in water, the specification containing no such suggestion. The device ~L3~:~L1y9;~
comprises a suitable log shaped body rotatably mounted at each end to a respective framework, each framework comprising a pair of steps leading to a respective platform, the log shaped body requiring support and bearings at both ends, since it does not float in water.
U.S. Patent No. 3,701,527 issued October 31, 1972 to Beaton discloses a transportable floating birling (rotatable) device with a support and ladder mounted at each end, the device being therefore similar to the Jackson device above. The bearings for the rotating barrel are mounted in a frame which is anchored to the bottom of the sea or lake by a rope. The barrel is not able to move vertically relative to the frame, and again movement of the people on the platforms will affect the movement of the barrel. There is no disclosure of a frame for mounting on the bed of the body of water, nor is there any means disclosed for removing any water which may inadvertently enter the barrel. Furthermore/ there is no provision for readily assembling and disassembling the structure.
Definition of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a new amusement and/or sport device comprising a floating rotatable device and a support frame therefor.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a floating rotatable device for use in a body of water comprising:
a cylindrical barrel having spaced circular ends, adapted to float on the body of water for rotation about its longitudinal axis while horizontal and to receive at least one person on the outer surface thereof;
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a barrel shaft protruding from one of the circular ends coaxial with the said horizontal longitudinal axis;
a support frame including base means for resting on the bed of a body of water in which the barrel is to float and rotate;
barrel shaft vertical guide means mounted on the support frame, receiving the said barrel shaft and guiding the barrel shaft for vertical movement in the frame to accommodate changes in height of the barrel relative to the support frame caused by changes in the water level and/or in the weight on the barrel;
barrel shaft retaining means on the shaft retaining the barrel shaft against axial movement in the support frame; and a vertical ladder mounted by the support means to extend vertically to a position in relation to the barrel such that a person climbing the ladder can mount onto the barrel at the respective end thereof.
Description of the Drawings Particular preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. l is a diagrammatic perspective view of the assembled device in use;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device shown in Fig.
l; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotatable water barrel and adjacent part of the mounting frame partly exploded, partly broken away to show the interior of the barrel, and drawn to a larger scale.
~L3~7~
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Reference is first made to Fig. 1 of the drawings which shows a floating rotatable leisure and amusement device of the invention assembled and in use in a body of water. The device consists of a cylindrical rotatable barrel 10 of uniform diameter along its length, rotatably mounted by and also secured to a framework of galvanized metal, generally indicated by reference numeral 12, which framework rests on the floor or bed of the water body in which the device is to be used. The framework has at its lower end a wire basket 14 which may be filled with rocks 16 or similar ballast material to anchor the framework to the floor against the movements of the rotating barrel with its participant or participants thereon. The barrel 10 may be provided with a dimpled or other somewhat roughened outer surface 20 to provide a good grip for the user's feet when the barrel is being rotated. The framework 12 includes an upper portion 22 having a ladder 24 extending from below the water level to a platform 25 at about the height of the top of the barrel to facilitate participants climbing onto the top of the barrel from the adjacent land or from the water.
The device is assembled from the four major parts shown exploded in Fig. 2. The barrel 10 has a coaxial shaft 26 extending from one end and rotatably rnounted in a support part of the framework 12 generally indicated by reference numeral 28, so as to be retained by the framework, while being permitted vertical movement relative to the framework, as will be described in more detail later. The frame of the framework 12 is fabricated from pipe and comprises a lower or base unit 32 ~3~l79;~
which has three longitudinally spaced horizontal parallel tubular legs 33 with their end portions turned vertically and provided with vertical feet 34 at each end; these feet. will provide high friction with and may even dig into the floor if it is sufficiently soft. Upstanding from each of the legs 33 is a pair of transversely spaced vertical tube members 36 all of the same height and all having a plurality of similarly located longitudinally-spaced apertures 38 at their upper ends. The upstanding tubes 36 can be rigidly connected to the legs 33 and the basket 14 if the water bed is sufficiently flat, or alternatively they may be pivotally connected at their lower ends at 37 to the legs to permit the lower end of the frame 12 to be inclined to the horizontal to take account of any such inclination of the bed or floor, while permitting the barrel shaft 26 and the platform 25 to remain horizontal. If the legs are pivoted in this manner then the connections of the vertical member 36 to the baske' 14 and oE cross-braces 35 to the legs 33 and the vertical members 36 are also made adjustable.
An upper part of the framework, generally indicated by reference 40, has four long parallel upstanding vertical tube members 42 and two shorter parallel upstanding vertical tube members 43, each adapted to receive in telescoping manner a respective one of the si~ upstanding vertical tube members 36 of the lower base member 32. The upstanding members 42 and 43 of the upper framework also have vertically spaced apertures 44 which can be aligned with the apertures 38 of the lower members, so that the vertical location of the upper framework 40 relative to the base unit 32 can be adjusted and secured by insertion of ~3~ 1Z
securing bolts (not shown) through the aligned apertures~ Two vertical front mem~ers 46 o the framework 40 provide hand rails to assist swimmers in climbing the ladder and mounting the platform 25. The ladder 22 and platform 25 of the upper portion have two spaced parallel side tubes 48, each having a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 50 therein. Each tube 48 is adapted to be fitted in telescoping manner over the respective upstanding member 43/ and thus also over respective lower member 36 of the base member 32, to permit apertures 50, 44 and 38 to be aligned for insertion of the securing bolts with the ladder and platform at the desired height relative to the upper framework 40, and thus to the top of the barrel 10.
The framework 28 mounted between the forward vertical members 46 provides two parallel, vertical, longitudinally spaced aligned slots 60 receiving the shaft 26, the shaft being retained in the slots against axial movement by coaxial washers 30 on the shaft and retaining pins 54 passing through the shaft, as shown most clearly in the larger scale drawing of Fig. 3.
This retainlng means prevents the barrel from separatlng from the frame along the axis of the shaft, and also holds the barrel with its axis of rotation parallel to the length of the frame while permitting it to move freely vertically relative to the frame 12 as the weight o~ the barrel changes with the number and/or weight of the person or persons walking on it, and/or the level of the water changes. Any substantial and/or permanent changes in water level can of course be compensated by adjusting the vertical position of the upper frame 40 on the base unit 32.
~3~7~2 Fig. 3 shows the construction of the barrel 10 and of the framework 28 in more detail. The barrel lO is cylindrical, having a generally flat cap 52 at its end closer to the framework 12, and a generally hemispherical cap 53 at its end further from the framework, the shaft 26 extendiny throughout the length of barrel to be fastened to the hemispherical cap so as to reduce the cantilever stresses that would otherwise be applied to the shaft. Within the barrel and fastened to the interior surface of the flat cap 52 are two spiral tubes 62 having their radially outer ends at the circumference of the barrel interior and their radially inner ends discharging together through an aperture 56 in the end cap 52 adjacent to the shaft. If any water enters the barrel interior the tubes collect this water as the barrel is rotated and, when the tube inlets are rotated to be above the outlets 56, the water runs out to the exterior, thereby keeping the barrel interior drained. The two tubes are operative alternatively in the two opposite directions of rotation.
To assemble the structure the base frame 32 is firstly posi'ioned where desired on the bed or floor of the water body.
Rocks or other ballast material may be placed in the basket 14 to provide anchoring if necessary or desired, and then the upper frame 40 is secured to the base frame by locating the six tubular member 42, 43 over the respective tubular members 36, 38 of the base frame and inserting the securing pins or bolts. The ladder and platform section 22 is then added by positioning the side tubes 48 over the front two upstanding members 43 and locating the platform 25 between the rearmost four members 42 to ~3~7~;2 the desired height, when the respective securing pins or bolts are inserted. Lastly, the barrel is mounted by firstly positioning one washer 30 onto the shaft 26 and then inserting the shaft and the bracket through the two slots 60, then positioning the second washer onto the shaft 26. Pins 54 are then inserted to prevent axial movement of the shaft 26 in the slots 60. Finally a warning notice indicated by reference numeral 64 in Fig. 1 can be mounted on the side of the frame as shown in Figure 1. The procedure is of course reversed to disassemble the structure for storage and/or repair.
In use, with the apparatus in a body of water away from an adjacent structure, a person swimming can grasp the rails 46 and climb the steps 24 up onto the platform 25 where he/she can step onto the top of the barrel. The person then walks forward or backward whereupon the barrel rotates in the corresponding direction indicated by 'he arrows; the speed and direction of rotation can of course be adjus ed as desired as with the sport of log rolling, and more than one person can take part at the same time. Because there is relatively little surface area of the barrel in the water, it can be made to rotate quite fast and thus provide a high challenge to the skill of the participants.
Also because of the relatively little friction, it can be used by children and senior citizens and the like without undue effort.
If the barrel is located in the sea where tides will change the water level the vertical movement of the shaft 26 in the slots 60 will accommodate such tides within the limits set by the vertical length of the slots, which is made appropriate ~3~7~;~
for the location. Similarly, many lakes have their levels changed from time to time and such adjustment can accommodate these changes without the need to adjust the framework 12.
Since the framework is fixed firmly by resting on the bed or floor, people standing on the platform or ladders will not effect movement of the barrel, and vice versa.
Various modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the barrel, the frame and the ladders can be made of plastic, material, or of suitable non-corrodible metal, or metal treated to resist corrosion such as galvanized metal, or any combination of these. Also, the barrel could be mounted employing a second shaft at the other end to a second frame similar to the frame shown so as to also permit relative vertical movement between the barrel and both frames. Also any water in the barrel interior could be removed by using spiral baffles operative in a similar manner to the spiral tubes 62.
FLOATING ROTATABLE DEVICE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to floating rotatable devices comprising amusement and/or sport devices for use in water, and in particular the invention relates to a device comprising a floating barrel mounted on a support structure for free rotation about its own axis, and which is mounted by the participant in the amusement or sport.
Review of the Prior Art -A well known leisure or amusement water sport is "log rolling", which involves a person or persons standing on a floating log and trying to rotate it in the water, whilst at the same time retaining his/her or their balance. An amusement and/or sport device to be used to simulate this sport comprising a floating rotatable barrel should satisfy a number of design criteria, in addition to being relatively inexpensive, robust and corrosion resistant. For example, the device should be able to be anchored in position in the available body of water but should be free to move, within certain limits, to accommodate changing water conditions and to avoid undue stress in the structure. Also, The structure should provide some means for supporting the barrel so that it can move vertically to adapt to varying water levels, e.g. tides or lake levels, and the support should also include a ladder to permit participants to climb on to the barrel from the adjacent land, the water, or from a boat. In addition, the device should be capable of rapid assembly and disassembly to facilitate storage when not in use, ~3~7~
repair and/or replacement of damaged parts. Unless the barrel can be made completely watertight it should also have means for emptying water from its interior as it is being rotated.
A bathing beach float device has been proposed, for example, in U.S. Patent No., 1~761,058 issued June 3, 1930 to Trenholm having two coa~ial barrels, each rotatably mounted at one end to a central support which comprises two ladders leading to a platform for access to the top of the barrels, the structure being anchored to the sea or lake bed by an anchor chain. This device has a number of problems. For example, both the barrels and the frame are free floating and the anchor chain may, as the water level lowers, permit too much movement of the device making it difficult to climb onto. The device must be anchored well out in the body of water making it somewhat difficult and awkward of access. Also, movement of the platform will cause reaction movement of the barrels, and vice versa, which will affect a person trying to rotate the barrels and so limit the effectiveness of the device for amusement and leisure purposes. There is no provision for removing water which may leak into the barrels and affect their buoyancy. In addition, because the barrels are almost half-submerged in the water, there is substantial friction in attempting to rotate them, which makes the device difficult and inconvenient to use by children.
~.S. Patent No. 2,268,827 issued January 6, 1942 to Jackson discloses a log rolling game device which simulates log rolling in water, but is not intended to be used in water, the specification containing no such suggestion. The device ~L3~:~L1y9;~
comprises a suitable log shaped body rotatably mounted at each end to a respective framework, each framework comprising a pair of steps leading to a respective platform, the log shaped body requiring support and bearings at both ends, since it does not float in water.
U.S. Patent No. 3,701,527 issued October 31, 1972 to Beaton discloses a transportable floating birling (rotatable) device with a support and ladder mounted at each end, the device being therefore similar to the Jackson device above. The bearings for the rotating barrel are mounted in a frame which is anchored to the bottom of the sea or lake by a rope. The barrel is not able to move vertically relative to the frame, and again movement of the people on the platforms will affect the movement of the barrel. There is no disclosure of a frame for mounting on the bed of the body of water, nor is there any means disclosed for removing any water which may inadvertently enter the barrel. Furthermore/ there is no provision for readily assembling and disassembling the structure.
Definition of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a new amusement and/or sport device comprising a floating rotatable device and a support frame therefor.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a floating rotatable device for use in a body of water comprising:
a cylindrical barrel having spaced circular ends, adapted to float on the body of water for rotation about its longitudinal axis while horizontal and to receive at least one person on the outer surface thereof;
~3~
a barrel shaft protruding from one of the circular ends coaxial with the said horizontal longitudinal axis;
a support frame including base means for resting on the bed of a body of water in which the barrel is to float and rotate;
barrel shaft vertical guide means mounted on the support frame, receiving the said barrel shaft and guiding the barrel shaft for vertical movement in the frame to accommodate changes in height of the barrel relative to the support frame caused by changes in the water level and/or in the weight on the barrel;
barrel shaft retaining means on the shaft retaining the barrel shaft against axial movement in the support frame; and a vertical ladder mounted by the support means to extend vertically to a position in relation to the barrel such that a person climbing the ladder can mount onto the barrel at the respective end thereof.
Description of the Drawings Particular preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. l is a diagrammatic perspective view of the assembled device in use;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device shown in Fig.
l; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotatable water barrel and adjacent part of the mounting frame partly exploded, partly broken away to show the interior of the barrel, and drawn to a larger scale.
~L3~7~
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Reference is first made to Fig. 1 of the drawings which shows a floating rotatable leisure and amusement device of the invention assembled and in use in a body of water. The device consists of a cylindrical rotatable barrel 10 of uniform diameter along its length, rotatably mounted by and also secured to a framework of galvanized metal, generally indicated by reference numeral 12, which framework rests on the floor or bed of the water body in which the device is to be used. The framework has at its lower end a wire basket 14 which may be filled with rocks 16 or similar ballast material to anchor the framework to the floor against the movements of the rotating barrel with its participant or participants thereon. The barrel 10 may be provided with a dimpled or other somewhat roughened outer surface 20 to provide a good grip for the user's feet when the barrel is being rotated. The framework 12 includes an upper portion 22 having a ladder 24 extending from below the water level to a platform 25 at about the height of the top of the barrel to facilitate participants climbing onto the top of the barrel from the adjacent land or from the water.
The device is assembled from the four major parts shown exploded in Fig. 2. The barrel 10 has a coaxial shaft 26 extending from one end and rotatably rnounted in a support part of the framework 12 generally indicated by reference numeral 28, so as to be retained by the framework, while being permitted vertical movement relative to the framework, as will be described in more detail later. The frame of the framework 12 is fabricated from pipe and comprises a lower or base unit 32 ~3~l79;~
which has three longitudinally spaced horizontal parallel tubular legs 33 with their end portions turned vertically and provided with vertical feet 34 at each end; these feet. will provide high friction with and may even dig into the floor if it is sufficiently soft. Upstanding from each of the legs 33 is a pair of transversely spaced vertical tube members 36 all of the same height and all having a plurality of similarly located longitudinally-spaced apertures 38 at their upper ends. The upstanding tubes 36 can be rigidly connected to the legs 33 and the basket 14 if the water bed is sufficiently flat, or alternatively they may be pivotally connected at their lower ends at 37 to the legs to permit the lower end of the frame 12 to be inclined to the horizontal to take account of any such inclination of the bed or floor, while permitting the barrel shaft 26 and the platform 25 to remain horizontal. If the legs are pivoted in this manner then the connections of the vertical member 36 to the baske' 14 and oE cross-braces 35 to the legs 33 and the vertical members 36 are also made adjustable.
An upper part of the framework, generally indicated by reference 40, has four long parallel upstanding vertical tube members 42 and two shorter parallel upstanding vertical tube members 43, each adapted to receive in telescoping manner a respective one of the si~ upstanding vertical tube members 36 of the lower base member 32. The upstanding members 42 and 43 of the upper framework also have vertically spaced apertures 44 which can be aligned with the apertures 38 of the lower members, so that the vertical location of the upper framework 40 relative to the base unit 32 can be adjusted and secured by insertion of ~3~ 1Z
securing bolts (not shown) through the aligned apertures~ Two vertical front mem~ers 46 o the framework 40 provide hand rails to assist swimmers in climbing the ladder and mounting the platform 25. The ladder 22 and platform 25 of the upper portion have two spaced parallel side tubes 48, each having a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 50 therein. Each tube 48 is adapted to be fitted in telescoping manner over the respective upstanding member 43/ and thus also over respective lower member 36 of the base member 32, to permit apertures 50, 44 and 38 to be aligned for insertion of the securing bolts with the ladder and platform at the desired height relative to the upper framework 40, and thus to the top of the barrel 10.
The framework 28 mounted between the forward vertical members 46 provides two parallel, vertical, longitudinally spaced aligned slots 60 receiving the shaft 26, the shaft being retained in the slots against axial movement by coaxial washers 30 on the shaft and retaining pins 54 passing through the shaft, as shown most clearly in the larger scale drawing of Fig. 3.
This retainlng means prevents the barrel from separatlng from the frame along the axis of the shaft, and also holds the barrel with its axis of rotation parallel to the length of the frame while permitting it to move freely vertically relative to the frame 12 as the weight o~ the barrel changes with the number and/or weight of the person or persons walking on it, and/or the level of the water changes. Any substantial and/or permanent changes in water level can of course be compensated by adjusting the vertical position of the upper frame 40 on the base unit 32.
~3~7~2 Fig. 3 shows the construction of the barrel 10 and of the framework 28 in more detail. The barrel lO is cylindrical, having a generally flat cap 52 at its end closer to the framework 12, and a generally hemispherical cap 53 at its end further from the framework, the shaft 26 extendiny throughout the length of barrel to be fastened to the hemispherical cap so as to reduce the cantilever stresses that would otherwise be applied to the shaft. Within the barrel and fastened to the interior surface of the flat cap 52 are two spiral tubes 62 having their radially outer ends at the circumference of the barrel interior and their radially inner ends discharging together through an aperture 56 in the end cap 52 adjacent to the shaft. If any water enters the barrel interior the tubes collect this water as the barrel is rotated and, when the tube inlets are rotated to be above the outlets 56, the water runs out to the exterior, thereby keeping the barrel interior drained. The two tubes are operative alternatively in the two opposite directions of rotation.
To assemble the structure the base frame 32 is firstly posi'ioned where desired on the bed or floor of the water body.
Rocks or other ballast material may be placed in the basket 14 to provide anchoring if necessary or desired, and then the upper frame 40 is secured to the base frame by locating the six tubular member 42, 43 over the respective tubular members 36, 38 of the base frame and inserting the securing pins or bolts. The ladder and platform section 22 is then added by positioning the side tubes 48 over the front two upstanding members 43 and locating the platform 25 between the rearmost four members 42 to ~3~7~;2 the desired height, when the respective securing pins or bolts are inserted. Lastly, the barrel is mounted by firstly positioning one washer 30 onto the shaft 26 and then inserting the shaft and the bracket through the two slots 60, then positioning the second washer onto the shaft 26. Pins 54 are then inserted to prevent axial movement of the shaft 26 in the slots 60. Finally a warning notice indicated by reference numeral 64 in Fig. 1 can be mounted on the side of the frame as shown in Figure 1. The procedure is of course reversed to disassemble the structure for storage and/or repair.
In use, with the apparatus in a body of water away from an adjacent structure, a person swimming can grasp the rails 46 and climb the steps 24 up onto the platform 25 where he/she can step onto the top of the barrel. The person then walks forward or backward whereupon the barrel rotates in the corresponding direction indicated by 'he arrows; the speed and direction of rotation can of course be adjus ed as desired as with the sport of log rolling, and more than one person can take part at the same time. Because there is relatively little surface area of the barrel in the water, it can be made to rotate quite fast and thus provide a high challenge to the skill of the participants.
Also because of the relatively little friction, it can be used by children and senior citizens and the like without undue effort.
If the barrel is located in the sea where tides will change the water level the vertical movement of the shaft 26 in the slots 60 will accommodate such tides within the limits set by the vertical length of the slots, which is made appropriate ~3~7~;~
for the location. Similarly, many lakes have their levels changed from time to time and such adjustment can accommodate these changes without the need to adjust the framework 12.
Since the framework is fixed firmly by resting on the bed or floor, people standing on the platform or ladders will not effect movement of the barrel, and vice versa.
Various modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the barrel, the frame and the ladders can be made of plastic, material, or of suitable non-corrodible metal, or metal treated to resist corrosion such as galvanized metal, or any combination of these. Also, the barrel could be mounted employing a second shaft at the other end to a second frame similar to the frame shown so as to also permit relative vertical movement between the barrel and both frames. Also any water in the barrel interior could be removed by using spiral baffles operative in a similar manner to the spiral tubes 62.
Claims (7)
1. A floating rotatable device for use in a body of water comprising:
a cylindrical barrel having spaced circular ends, adapted to float on the body of water for rotation about its longitudinal axis while horizontal and to receive at least one person on the outer surface thereof;
a barrel shaft protruding from one of the circular ends coaxial with the said horizontal longitudinal axis;
a support frame including base means for resting on the bed of a body of water in which the barrel is to float and rotate;
barrel shaft vertical guide means mounted on the support frame, receiving the said barrel shaft and guiding the barrel shaft for vertical movement in the frame to accommodate changes in height of the barrel relative to the support frame caused by changes in the water level and/or in the weight on the barrel;
barrel shaft retaining means on the shaft retaining the barrel shaft against axial movement in the support frame; and a vertical ladder mounted by the support means to extend vertically to a position in relation to the barrel such that a person climbing the ladder can mount onto the barrel at the respective end thereof.
a cylindrical barrel having spaced circular ends, adapted to float on the body of water for rotation about its longitudinal axis while horizontal and to receive at least one person on the outer surface thereof;
a barrel shaft protruding from one of the circular ends coaxial with the said horizontal longitudinal axis;
a support frame including base means for resting on the bed of a body of water in which the barrel is to float and rotate;
barrel shaft vertical guide means mounted on the support frame, receiving the said barrel shaft and guiding the barrel shaft for vertical movement in the frame to accommodate changes in height of the barrel relative to the support frame caused by changes in the water level and/or in the weight on the barrel;
barrel shaft retaining means on the shaft retaining the barrel shaft against axial movement in the support frame; and a vertical ladder mounted by the support means to extend vertically to a position in relation to the barrel such that a person climbing the ladder can mount onto the barrel at the respective end thereof.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support frame comprises a lower part including said base means, and an upper part telescopingly mounted on said lower part for adjustment of the vertical height of the upper part above the lower part, the said barrel shaft vertical guide means and the ladder being mounted on the said upper part.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frame is connected to its base means for movement about a horizontal axis to adjust the base means to an inclined bed while maintaining the support frame extending vertically upwards.
4. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support frame lower part is connected to its base means for movement about a horizontal axis to adjust the base means to an inclined bed while maintaining the support frame extending vertically upwards.
5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said barrel shaft vertical guide means comprises two longitudinally spaced parallel frame members, each providing a respective vertical slot in which the barrel shaft moves vertically.
6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said barrel shaft vertical guide means comprises two longitudinally spaced parallel frame members, each providing a respective vertical slot in which the barrel shaft moves vertically, and wherein the said barrel shaft retaining means comprise means engaging the said longitudinally spaced frame members to prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft in the respective slots.
7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein means for discharging water from the interior of the barrel includes at least one tube mounted in the barrel interior to extend radially thereof, the radially outer end of the tube being adjacent the cylindrical interior surface of the barrel to receive water at the said surface, and the radially inner end discharging from the barrel interior through the respective barrel end adjacent to the barrel shaft.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000576849A CA1301792C (en) | 1988-09-08 | 1988-09-08 | Floating rotatable device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000576849A CA1301792C (en) | 1988-09-08 | 1988-09-08 | Floating rotatable device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1301792C true CA1301792C (en) | 1992-05-26 |
Family
ID=4138694
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000576849A Expired - Lifetime CA1301792C (en) | 1988-09-08 | 1988-09-08 | Floating rotatable device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1301792C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1518590A1 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-03-30 | HAGS Aneby AB | Playing and training appliance |
| CN113713343A (en) * | 2021-09-08 | 2021-11-30 | 武夷学院 | Physical training device is used in sports teaching |
-
1988
- 1988-09-08 CA CA000576849A patent/CA1301792C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1518590A1 (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-03-30 | HAGS Aneby AB | Playing and training appliance |
| CN113713343A (en) * | 2021-09-08 | 2021-11-30 | 武夷学院 | Physical training device is used in sports teaching |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |